CNaVT: Online preparation for the exam
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Sign up for freeWhat is the CNaVT?
The Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (CNaVT) is an internationally recognized certificate that examines Dutch language proficiency.
There are five different types of exams that are guided by the levels from A2 to C1:
| Exam | Abbreviation | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maatschappelijk Informeel (Gesellschaftlich informell) | INFO | Language of everyday and private social life | A2 |
| Maatschappelijk Formeel (Gesellschafltich formal) | FORM | Language of independent and public social life | B1 |
| Zakelijk Professioneel (Geschäftlich professionell) | PROF | Language of working life, especially of the health care and administrative sector | B2 |
| Educatief Startbekwaam (Bildung Grundkenntnisse) | STRT | Level of admission to the universities in the Netherlands and Flanders | B2 |
| Educatief Professioneel (Bildung Professionell) | PROF | Advanced language level in education or in professional contexts | C1 |
Where is the CNaVT certificate recognized?
The CNaVT certificate can be used in many areas as proof of Dutch language proficiency:
- Admission to Dutch universities
- Education as translators or interpreter
- Relief from the integration test in the Netherlands or Flanders
Note: Many universities in the Netherlands or Flanders can determine the level for admission. Therefore it is not obvious that you will immediately admitted with the CNaVT certificate. Please inform yourself about the admission requirements of the respective university in advance.
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How is the CNaVT exam structured?
The exam is divided into three parts that has to be completed:
- Deel A: luisteren en schrijven (Listening and writing)
- Deel B: lezen en schrijven (Reading and writing)
- Deel C: spreken en gesprekken voeren (Talking and conversation)
Part A and B are performed one after the other and a monolingual dictionary is allowed. In Part C, one-to-one interviews are conducted with an official examiner. You cannot use a dictionary here.
How is the CNaVT exam rated?
All passed exams will be sent to Leuven, where they will be examined by professional proofreaders. In June, the results will be announced.
Passed participants receive the CNaVT certificate.
Where and when does the CNaVT exam take place?
The CNaVT can be completed in more than 40 countries around the world. You can enroll in one of the exam institutions and take the exam there.
The exams are always take place from 1st to 15th of May every year.
How to register for the exam?
In a few steps you are registered for the CNaVT exam:
- Go to an examination institution close to you and register there with the official registration form by March 15 of every year.
- Transfer the exam fee and then all necessary information will be provided by the CNaVT secretariat.
- After receiving the payment, you are registered for the exam.
How much does the CNaVT exam cost?
You will receive information about the fees for the exam at the chosen exam institution.
How to prepare for the CNaVT exam?
In order to be successful in the CNaVT exam, you should familiarize yourself with the tasks and the exam format in advance. Especially the skill "Speaking and Talking" requires some practice.
Online preparation for the CNaVT exam
At coLanguage there are numerous Dutch language teachers who will help you to prepare for the CNaVT exam.
How does it work?
- Register as a student on coLanguage and find the right teacher for you
- Receive private lessons via Skype
- Lessons that prepare you for the CNaVT exam
- Flexible appointments with the teachers
- Prepare for the exam from anywhere in the world
Free practice tutorials
At coLanguage you'll find a large number of grammar lessons to help you learn and understand Dutch grammar. After that you can check what you have learned with many exercises. The linked audio files help you with the correct pronunciation, which can be useful especially for speaking skills.
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Further information
For more information on the CNaVT certificate visit: http://cnavt.org/
The official CNaVT website also provides free sample tests.